Best Macro Lenses

If you want to get really close to smaller subject, as well as deliver 1:1 magnification, it's worth investing in a specialist macro lens. Here's a selection of some of the very best macro lenses available

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/3.5G ED VR DX Micro

Street Price: £380

With a 1:1 reproduction ratio this compact, lightweight lens gives you the option to shoot life-size close-ups of fine textures and details.

The inclusion of Nikon’s second-generation Vibration Reduction (VR II) system enables you to shoot pin-sharp images handheld, while its internal focusing system and Silent Wave Motor combine to offer a rapid AF performance.

Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di USD VC

Street Price: £370

Suitable for use on either APS-C or full frame DSLRs, this macro lens features two XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glasses and one LD (Low Dispersion) element to ensure chromatic aberrations are kept to a minimum.

With Vibration Reduction and a large focus ring to aid minor focusing adjustments, it makes a great third-party choice for close-up photography.

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro EX DG OS HSM

The nine-bladed aperture renders out-of-focus backgrounds beautifully when set to maximum aperture and it’s compatible with Sigma’s APO teleconverters to allow a greater working distance at 1:1 magnification.

Leica DG 45mm f/2.8 MEGA O.I.S.

Street Price: £470

This lens will appeal to Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four Thirds users. Not only is it light and compact, it allows you to focus as closely as 15cm and features multi-coated lens elements to reduce the effects of ghosting and flare. It doubles up as a fantastic portrait lens and is equivalent to 90mm in film terms when the 2x crop factor is considered.